On deck: Angels at Rangers, Thursday, 5 p.m.

Texas pitcher Matt Garza has absorbed a pair of losses to the Angels this season, including one earlier this month. COLIN E. BRALEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Rangers Ballpark

TV: Fox Sports West

Last time they played: The Angels took 2 of 3 at Angel Stadium in the last series. Before that, Texas had won seven straight against the Angels, equaling their longest-ever streak. The Rangers lead the season series, 11-4.

Rangers report: Texas has been losing games like crazy in September, for the second straight season. The Rangers lost seven straight and 10 of 11, and now sit on the outside looking in at the playoff chase. If they manage to sweep this four-game series against the Angels, they would be in good position to secure a wild-card spot, but they’re still dependent on Cleveland and Tampa Bay taking a couple losses in the final weekend.

Player to watch: Shortstop Elvis Andrus has turned it up in September after a meddling start to the season and an awful June. He didn’t hit his first home run of 2013 until August, and he has three this month alone, as he’s leading the Rangers with a .329 batting average – and 12 runs scored. Andrus is also hitting .387 against the Angels this season with 24 hits, by far the most he has against any team.

Did you know: At 16-8 in September, the Angels have already matched their most wins in a month this season, tying May’s 16-13 mark. They had just nine wins in both April and July.

Numbers game: 55-13 – The Angels’ record when they out-hit their opponent. They are 15-59 when they get out-hit.

THE PITCHERS

JEROME WILLIAMS (9-10, 4.55)

Williams, 31, has posted two straight solid starts after struggling some in August, and he can push his ERA further into respectable territory with another one-run outing. His availability to make this start was in question after he got hit in the foot by an errant ball during warmups Monday, but he is believed to be ready to go. If he can’t make it, rookie Matt Shoemaker would be the logical replacement. Williams is lucky Nelson Cruz is suspended, because the Rangers outfielder absolutely crushes him, with a .611 average and four homers in 18 at-bats.

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